[Interview] Jo In-sung: "Breaking Free from Others' Gaze, I Found Myself"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] His straightforward manner of speaking remained unchanged. Meeting Jo In-sung, who is about to release a film after four years since 'The Great Battle' (2017), he gave clear and candid answers to the questions posed. There is a noticeable change in his career as an actor. This year, he has been actively involved in variety shows, films, and dramas, showing a different side of himself. He said, "For the first time since my debut, I am working on many projects," and added, "I am grateful for everything."

Actor Jo In-sung shared various stories about the film 'Mogadishu' (directed by Ryu Seung-wan) during an interview held on the morning of the 27th.

'Mogadishu' is a film depicting the life-and-death escape of people trapped in the capital of Somalia, Mogadishu, during the civil war in 1991. It is the new work of director Ryu Seung-wan, who directed 'Berlin' (2012) and 'Veteran' (2015), and is his first release in four years since 'The Battleship Island' (2017).

Jo In-sung laughed and said it was "amazing" that 'Mogadishu' is being released on his birthday, July 28, adding, "My parents will be happy." He continued, "I am thankful for everything. I feel relieved because many people have high expectations. I am glad it is being released smoothly."

He plays Kang Dae-jin, the counselor at the Korean embassy, who possesses excellent intelligence and planning skills. Jo In-sung said, "I saw him as an unconventional character. He acts freely, using any means necessary to achieve his goals. He employs every possible method. Sometimes he is servile, but at times he shouts or persuades. I expected to become a different character through a diverse image," and emphasized, "I focused on the new faces that emerge through clashes with other characters."

Jo In-sung said he wanted to be seen as "a character who helps others catch their breath" among various characters such as Kim Yoon-seok, Heo Jun-ho, and Koo Kyo-hwan. He said, "The film is heavy, and the situation is tough. I hoped Kang Dae-jin would play a role that opens up a breath in that situation. I considered a point similar to Robert Downey Jr.'s 'Iron Man' in Marvel movies."

He acted alongside Kim Yoon-seok for the first time. Jo In-sung said, "There are many actors I want to work with. I am glad to have met him through this project," adding, "I was surprised to see how delicately he brings the sense of the scene to life on set. I felt envious and thought he was amazing."

He added, "I want to work on any project if given the chance in the future. I also look forward to meeting Director Kim Yoon-seok."

'Mogadishu' was filmed entirely on location in Morocco over four months. Under the exotic scenery, the civil war scenes unfold spectacularly. Jo In-sung recalled, "It felt like working on three to four films together. Even on days without filming, we met and lived together. It was like forming a family as a group."

He said, "Eating together implies many meanings, I think. This is a project where I ate with the actors and production staff more frequently than any other."

Although the atmosphere was warm like a family, filming on location was not easy. Jo In-sung said, "The food was difficult. Due to cultural reasons, I couldn't eat pork. I ate a lot of local food. I missed food a lot, but the catering truck helped relieve that."

He then gave a special meaning, saying, "In Morocco, I was able to see the situation as it was without worrying about others' gazes. Once I was free from those gazes, I could see myself clearly. I realized, 'I like these things'?being free from everything, including undressing and eating."

Jo In-sung, who has mostly appeared in films rather than variety shows or TV dramas, has expanded his stage. He received favorable reviews for showing a new side of himself by appearing with Cha Tae-hyun on the tvN variety show 'Unexpected Business.'

He said, "Filming variety shows was not easy. The cameras were on 24 hours a day. Since it was not a scripted situation but real events, it felt vivid," and recalled, "I felt respect for the residents of Woncheon-ri during filming. It was amazing to see people doing things I cannot do. I am grateful that they treated me like a child, not as a stranger."

Jo In-sung, who turned forty this year, said he feels the importance of managing his physical condition. He said, "I think I somewhat understand the feelings of athletes who bravely decide to retire. I recently had knee surgery, and I decided to manage myself more diligently to act on set. I spent a lethargic time due to pain. Now, I will not ignore the signals my body sends and will take good care of myself."

Regarding the heavy themes of the work, such as inter-Korean relations, dictatorship, and the struggle for survival, Jo In-sung said, "War should never happen in any form. It only makes everyone, regardless of age or gender, suffer."

'Mogadishu' is scheduled to be released in theaters as planned, but recently, the film industry has been experiencing changes, such as the significant expansion of OTT platforms due to the impact of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus infection).

He said, "With various channels emerging, the market for consuming content has expanded. I think we need to adapt as times change. Rather than stubbornly insisting that the old ways are always better, I believe it is positive to see how we should move forward in step with the times. Everything is changing to get better, and I try to accept it that way."

Photo=IOK Company